We recommend using inputs 3 - 8 for signals that are too hot for preamps on inputs 1-2. Inputs 1-2 will clip sooner as they apply more gain than inputs 3-8. Was the trim at minimum? Any reason you can't use the other inputs?Can't you just turn the volume down at the source?

* I reduced the trims to 0 (Zero)* I increased the channel faders to be up to the start of reddish part* I increased the master faders to be up to the start of reddish part

TheOtherSupport@KMI wrote:Any reason you can't use the other inputs?

I just followed the manual:2.3.4 – To Instrument Level Instruments & 3.4.3 – Instrument Level InputI guess a bass guitar would still qualifies as "Hi-Z instrument level signals"

TheOtherSupport@KMI wrote:Can't you just turn the volume down at the source?

Sure. But the source has some limits.

As a more general feedback which explains the confusion with the trims & fader level:

1) I used to set channel faders on other mixers in such was that it never arrives at the red top part to avoid overloadWith K-MIX, this seems to be different: 2a) the channel faders apparently do not indicate overload in the master or aux mode2b) the channel faders apparently do indicate overload in the trip mode by a red light at very top of the fader2c) for checking volume, obviously, the VU mode serves the purpose.

Concluding, what are your recommendations besides that for monitoring overload and avoiding it with K-Mix?

The manual recommends plugging instruments/hi-z inputs into 1 and 2, but if you're clipping those, then you either need to turn the trim down, or plug into 3-8. SO we're not really recommending the opposite.

There's way too much variance in the output levels of guitars and basses to give a one size fits all solution. I can plug my bass into 1-2, but it I turn up the low frequency on the EQ of the bass, I'll clip it.

Hi-Z has nothing to do with gain, headroom, or volume, it refers to Hi/Low impedance.

Your quote uses the word 'generally'. That's important to keep in mind, there are no hard and fast rules here. Do what works.

Use the trim mode to set input levels. All other modes are looking at output levels.